When it comes to preserving nature, it can feel like there is an overwhelming amount of work to do, but the new year brings a moment to reflect on what we’ve achieved so far.
Each success makes a difference to species, habitats, and local people, and we’d like to share some of the progress made in 2023 thanks to our supporters and partners.
454 terrapin hatchlings released into the wild
2023 saw many proud moments for our partners protecting threatened species across the globe. It is always a happy day when, after months of work, we get to see the results in action. For SatuCita Foundation, this was the successful release of 454 Critically Endangered painted terrapin hatchlings into the wild this year.
Focusing on conserving turtles, tortoises, and nature in North Sumatra and Indonesia, SatuCita was created when Joko Guntoro, a young Sumatran conservationist, made it his mission to save the painted terrapin from extinction. These remarkable creatures – who get their name from the colourful patterns males adopt in the breeding season – are found in just four countries in Southeast Asia, making them one of the world’s rarest freshwater turtles. Although poaching is no longer as great a risk as it has been, the mangrove habitat where they spend much of their lives remains under threat.
A key part of SatuCita’s work, which Synchronicity Earth funds through our Asian Species Programme, entails conserving species outside their natural habitat. During the nesting season – November 2022 to March 2023 – local villagers and fishers help identify and move eggs to the team at the Painted Terrapin Information Centre. Here, the eggs are incubated at the artificial hatchery pool for the few months it takes them to hatch, before being temporarily raised in the pool. Once ready, the three to five-month-old terrapins were finally released from a coastal beach into their new habitat – the estuaries and rivers of the Aceh Tamiang District.
Since 2013, the programme has released over 4,000 hatchlings and SatuCita are continuing to monitor the impact of this on the recovery of the wild population.
Women leaders uniting for nature in the Congo Basin
In May, Bihini Won wa Musiti – one of our Congo Basin affiliates – joined the First Forum of Indigenous and Local Community Women in Central Africa and the Congo Basin, which took place in Brazzaville. As welcome progress for community conservation, the event centres those who have been historically marginalised in decision-making.
The forum promotes the much-overlooked contributions of women and girls who have played a vital role in protecting the Congo Basin, one of the largest forest ecosystems in the world. ‘Even without finance, women have been managing their forests. If they are more supported, they will do more,” says Omaira Bolaños, RRI director of gender and justice.
200 Indigenous and local community women leaders from 20 countries took part, joining forces with philanthropists and political actors to discuss how strengthening women’s involvement can achieve greater climate resilience. “We are here to learn from each other, for each other, and for our Mother Earth,” said Jenifer Lasimbang, an Indigenous delegate from Malaysia. Also attending were representatives from our